Afro Cuban Arará Dance Workshop - Free

Join Cuban-born dancer and choreographer Dailyn Martinez and Juno-winning percussionist Magdelys Savigne for an introductory dance workshop on the Afro-Cuban tradition of Arará. Participants will learn about Arara culture and religion which are rooted in the culture of West Africa. We’ll explore the unique characteristics of Arará dance with its angular bending of arms, legs and torso as well and its characteristic shoulder and hip movements. Dancers of all levels will learn the Arara scuffing, stamping, and hopping steps as Dailyn shares how asymmetrical use of the body and fluid movement are important elements of this fascinating dance tradition.

The Arara people descended from the Dahomey (modern day Benin) kingdom of West Africa, and retain an identity, religion, and culture separate from those of other Afro-Cuban peoples. Although, historically, the Arará people have been staunch defenders of their separate heritage and religion, this distinct identity - while it still persists - has, over time, become increasingly blurred and harder to maintain.

The Arará were originally enslaved as prisoners-of-war in the invasions of Dahomey by the Oyo Empire . Years after enslavement and transport to Cuba, Yoruba slaves descendant from the Oyo Empire began to arrive in Cuba. Due to the pre-existing tensions in West Africa these two groups remained socially distant and developed separate cultures and identities. Despite close similarities in their religious practices both groups retained separate priesthoods. It was not until the early 1900s that Arará and Yoruba Cubans became sufficiently comfortable in each other's company to begin to mix culturally.

Founder of Shum de Salsa Dance Company, ​Dailyn was born in Cuba. A passionate performer and instructor, Dailyn started her professional training at the Juan Pablo Duarte school at age 13. In 2000 Dailyn graduated from Escuela Nacional de Espectaculos Musicales and Variedades with honours. Prior to immigrating to Canada, Dailyn instructed and performed at the Teatro America and Havana Night Dance Company. Two of Dailyn's many strengths as an instructor are her ability to bring out each individual's personal style and an extremely positive attitude.

This event is made possible by support by Toronto Arts Council. Ontario Arts Council, Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Creates, Canadian Heritage.and FACTOR Canada.

Host or Publisher Lula Lounge